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ZoteroQuickLook

by beaugunderson · github.com/beaugunderson/ZoteroQuickLookNG

Opens the selected item's PDF in macOS Quick Look when you press space in the items list.

ZoteroQuickLook has Atlas grade B (use with care) because it launches programs on your computer. It works with Zotero 7–10. Last checked 6 Nov 2026.

Files, sync & backup
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.00 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
In useAn estimate of how many copies of Zotero have it: Zotero downloads each new version once for every copy that has the plugin, so we count the downloads of its most-downloaded recent release. Rounded. Plugins that update from outside GitHub count low.
1.3k
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub, counting every update. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
1,324
ReleasesVersions published on GitHub. Everyone who has the plugin downloads each one again, which adds up in Downloads.
2
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
63
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
11
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
None stated
B
Atlas gradeUse with care
because it launches programs on your computer
Applies to v3.0.0, released 20 Oct 2026Code checked · not yet tested in a live Zotero
Fork of mronkko/ZoteroQuickLookA copy of another listed plugin, changed by someone else.
What we found in the codeSets the gradeThe worst finding in these three areas sets the grade.
Code transparencyReadable code; not yet checked against the published sourceThe developer uploaded the release file from the beaugunderson account. We haven't yet checked whether this file matches the public source code.UnknownWe couldn't check this yet.
Updates
Updates come from this project's GitHub repository (under its old name)The update address offers version 3.0.0, which isn't newer than this one, so Zotero won't update it for now
Where your data goesNo web requests foundLowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
No further detail for this area yet.
Powerful capabilitiesLaunches programs on your computer, and 1 moreMediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Medium concern (1)
Launches programs on your computer
Low concern (1)
Works with files on your computer
Where we found it
Launches programs on your computerbootstrap.js · line 57

Programs it names include qlmanage

const proc = Components.classes["@mozilla.org/process/util;1"].createInstance(Components.interfaces.nsIProcess);
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 7, 8, 9, 10 · not 11 betaUpdates automatically
Zotero 7 ✓ worksZotero 8 ✓ worksZotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 10 ✓ worksZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needNothing extra detectedDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 20 Oct 202611 contributors
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface language not declared
No further detail for this area yet.
We report what we found in the code. Open any area for the evidence.How we gradeReport a problem

What it does

Written by AI from the README

Opens the selected item's PDF in macOS Quick Look when you press space in the items list. An attachment opens itself, an item opens its first PDF, and several selections open together. macOS only.

Previewing a paper normally means opening it in a Zotero tab. A fork of mronkko/ZoteroQuickLook, rewritten for Zotero 7 and later.

What you'll need

Detected automatically

We haven't detected any setup requirements. That isn't the same as none: check the developer's README.

Where your data goes

We found: no web requests found.

Other plugins that do this

Matched on what they do

For the same job, work with Zotero 10 and graded B or better. Closest match first.

  • B
    ZoteroQuickLookMac

    On macOS, previews the selected item's attachment when you press Space.

    Matches “quick look preview on mac” · 379 downloads · Active · Zotero 7–10
  • B
    zotLook

    Previews the selected attachment when you press Space, using the system's own preview panel: Quick Look on macOS, GNOME Sushi on Linux and QuickLook on Windows.

    Matches “quick look preview attachments” · 495 downloads · Active · Zotero 7–10
Compare all 3 side by side
How we pick these

By how closely what they do matches this plugin, using descriptions and the phrases people search with. Copies and forks of this plugin are listed under Forks and copies instead. No plugin pays to appear here.

Forks and copies

Fork of mronkko/ZoteroQuickLook.

No forks listed.

The developer's response

The developer hasn't responded. Developers can reply here, and their reply sits next to our findings.I'm the developer

Ratings and reviews

What people who use it say. This is separate from the grade, which is what the code does, and never changes it.

No ratings yet.

Write a review
Your rating of ZoteroQuickLook v3.0.0

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Install ZoteroQuickLook
BUse with care
Before you install: It launches programs on your computer.Read the finding
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